James Webb named director of Lyle Engineering’s M.S.M. program

James R. Webb has been named director of the Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Management (MSM) degree program in SMU’s Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering. He succeeds Donald Price, retired industry professor of mechanical engineering at SMU and former Principal Engineering Fellow at Raytheon Electronic Systems.

In making the announcement, Lyle Dean ad interim Marc Christensen said, “Jim’s appointment reaffirms the school’s support for the continuing resurgence of manufacturing in America. As a highly experienced engineer and businessman, as well as an excellent teacher, he is the perfect choice to address this opportunity and need for knowledge.”

An adjunct engineering professor at SMU for six years, Webb is a strategist with the Department of Defense and has held numerous management and engineering positions, including senior manager in the manufacturing strategy consulting practice of Deloitte, senior manager in AT&T’s international e-commerce initiative, and VP/engineering for Hamilton Tool Company. He also served as a research engineer with Texas Instruments on the “Star Wars” Strategic Defense Initiative.

Webb holds a B.S. degree in engineering and applied science from West Point, an M.S. from SMU, and an M.B.A. from the University of Dallas. He is pursuing a doctorate from the University of Maryland.